Overview
- In a written reply to Parliament, Nitin Gadkari said studies show no significant performance changes or component damage from using 20% ethanol-blended petrol.
- The petroleum ministry’s Aug. 4 note underpins the position and consolidates findings on E20 from multiple test programs.
- The government confirmed there is no proposal to create a compensation fund for proven E20-related damage despite concerns raised by vehicle owners and lawmakers.
- Vehicles sold before April 1, 2023 were designed for E10, while those sold afterward are E20 material compliant, with older models not explicitly barred from using E20.
- Gadkari showcased a 100% ethanol flex-fuel car and cited scaling infrastructure and industry participation, including about 550 ethanol plants, roughly 400 IOCL ethanol pumps and 100% ethanol-compatible two-wheelers, as an automaker lobby notes a 2–4% mileage decline.